Catholic Church Fights to Kill PA's Statute of Limitation Reform

As 78-year-old state Rep. Louise Williams Bishop (D-Philadelphia) began to speak to a crowd gathered in the rotunda of the capitol in Harrisburg at a public meeting in November, her voice wavered and shook, belying her decades of experience in public speaking as a polished politician, Baptist minister and radio DJ.

Shaky, Bishop revealed a secret she had held inside for six decades. “I discovered someone in the bed with me. [He was] doing a little more than feeling and touching,” she told the hushed audience, recalling the night when her stepfather first raped her.

Bishop, who was 12 at the time, says that when she awoke to find her stepfather in her bed, she “didn’t know how to react. I was afraid. There was fear. Fear in what my sisters, if they awakened, would think. Fear if I told my mother what she would say. Fear if my grandfather found out, he would have taken a shotgun and killed somebody and went to jail.”

“So I lived with that fear,” and the secret, “all these years.” Even as a minister listening to survivors, who at 35, 40 years old were revealing their own childhood sex abuse, Bishop remained silent about her own. She never even told her husband.

But here, surrounded by child abuse survivors and in the shock and turmoil of allegations against former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky, Bishop says she was moved to share her story.

“I was standing in front of people with stories that people may not have believed,” she says of that moment. “I had not planned to talk, to tell them about my experience, but when I saw them … I could not walk away from that without letting them know I understood, I’ve been through it, and that we were going to do everything we could do for them.”

What she means is: She’s not going to give up on abolishing the statute of limitations in Pennsylvania, because she knows how and why it can take a long time, a lifetime even, to come forward about having been abused. Bishop says that the burden she sees in the men she counsels does not expire, so the time period when survivors can come forward and press charges shouldn’t expire, either. She says it’s not about the money that could be won in a civil suit, but it helps, because survivors often need, and deserve, therapy and treatment.

“They need as much help as they can get to overcome that horrible experience and try to live a normal life,” says Bishop. “They don’t even start talking about it until they are 30, or 40, or 50 years old.”

Last February, Bishop introduced House Bill 832, a bill to eliminate the statute of limitations on sexual abuse of children in Pennsylvania. Current Pennsylvania statutes give survivors up until the age of 50 to file a criminal suit and until 30 to file a civil suit against their abusers. HB 832 would abolish the age limit altogether.

Bishop introduced the bill alongside Rep. Mike McGeehan’s HB 878, which would install a two-year “window,” a temporary time period in which survivors who otherwise aged out of the statute of limitation (SOL) could still file civil suits.

Sometimes called the “look-back window,” states around the country, including Delaware, have implemented the windows in the wake of child sex abuse scandals.

SOL reformists see window legislation as a tool to identify predators.

Indeed, after California passed a one-year window legislation in 2002, about 1,000 survivors came forward, and the names of more than 300 alleged perpetrators were identified, according to constitutional law expert and omnipresent SOL reform advocate Marci Hamilton, of Bucks County. Of the suits filed, about 850 were relevant to the Catholic Church.

The California experiment yielded interesting results: While it confirmed that indeed many survivors wait decades to come forward, it also sparked a backlash against SOL reform that was spearheaded, insiders say, by the Catholic Church.

In response, Church lobbyists across the country have repeatedly framed SOL reform as both a money-grab and as evidence of anti-Catholic bias.

Advocates in Harrisburg say the battle of statute of limitation reform is much bigger, and uglier, than Republicans versus Democrats. It boils down to church versus state.

Now, between the upcoming trial against Philadelphia priests accused of child sex abuse, the Penn State scandal and an administration that just declared 2012 the “Year of the Bible” in Pennsylvania, that battle has never been more intense and line has never been more blurry.

The Echo Chambers

Pennsylvania legislators have been introducing bills to reform the statute of limitation for years, mostly to no avail.

COMMENTS

Comments 1 - 29 of 29

1. JeannieGuzman said... on Feb 8, 2012 at 10:29AM

“Coming from the Archdiocese of Denver, Archbishop Chaput's old "stompin' grounds," it would really gladden my heart to see the Statue of Limitations extended in cases of Clergy Pedophilia (both inside and outside the Catholic Church. In Denver, Chaput's high-priced, Denver attorneys and lobbyists successfully managed to quash legislation extending our Statute of Limitations for 2 years running. Maybe now, the public sees the necessity "to reform" the Statute of LImitations, because in doing so, it might be the only way "to reform" the Church and an arrogant Hierarchy.”

2. Daniel F. Monahan said... on Feb 8, 2012 at 10:33AM

“This is an excellent article that probably for the first time provides readers who follow this tragic story a comprehensive summary of the history of SOL reform legislation and the current status of bills pending in Harrisburg. All the key players in this struggle are quoted here including the key legislators and tireless advocates like Professor Marci Hamilton, Sister Maureen Turlish, Maureen Martinez and Tami Lerner. Anyone who loves children owes a debt of gratitude to these individuals and countless others who support their work.”

3. Anonymous said... on Feb 8, 2012 at 10:51AM

“There are some inherent flaws in the reasoning for opening a window. First, many of the abusers from years ago are deceased. So using the argument that it will prevent abuse is like saying the death penalty is a deterrent to murder. Secondly, when you consider how much of a settlement lawyers take--and some of them are less than honorable people--it argues against the victims being helped at all. And finally, the way the media and so-called advocates work, anyone accused is guilty until proven guilty. There is no such thing as a fair trial. Maureen Tulish and her logic fail to stand up to close scrutiny. Her statements indicate a bias that says set the law aside because I am saving children. There is also an absence of discussion about parents and their role. I think that is an essential component to prevention efforts.”

4. Anonymous said... on Feb 8, 2012 at 10:51AM

“There are some inherent flaws in the reasoning for opening a window. First, many of the abusers from years ago are deceased. So using the argument that it will prevent abuse is like saying the death penalty is a deterrent to murder. Secondly, when you consider how much of a settlement lawyers take--and some of them are less than honorable people--it argues against the victims being helped at all. And finally, the way the media and so-called advocates work, anyone accused is guilty until proven guilty. There is no such thing as a fair trial. Maureen Tulish and her logic fail to stand up to close scrutiny. Her statements indicate a bias that says set the law aside because I am saving children. There is also an absence of discussion about parents and their role. I think that is an essential component to prevention efforts.”

5. Susan Matthews said... on Feb 8, 2012 at 11:46AM

“There is no statute of limitations for murder in PA. So the argument that some may be deceased doesn't hold up. How about those who are alive? Prison does in fact keep those individuals from committing sex abuse against children. Outing them with a trial does warn others. Lawyers benefit from every type of crime. Should we do away with our justice system because of that fact? I hope not. No system is perfect but I'll take imperfect over the alternative. The burden of proof must be met. Parents should play an important role in protecting their children, but statistically family members are the perpetrators of child sex abuse (far more often than clergy). These laws protect the vulnerable and bring justice to victims. Your issue with Sr. Maureen is irrelevant to the bigger picture for PA.”

6. Janice Rael said... on Feb 8, 2012 at 01:07PM

“SOL stands for both Statute of Limitations and Shit Outta Luck.”

7. maureen martinez said... on Feb 8, 2012 at 01:10PM

“Find out more about how you can help with Justice4pakids fight! Go to our facebook or website- www.justice4pakids.com and send us an email, we would love to hear from you.”

8. Michael Skiendzielewski said... on Feb 8, 2012 at 01:23PM

“This article presents a fine chronology and summary of the clergy abuse scandal in the Philadelphia Catholic Church as well as the relentless,and, as of yet, futile attempts to secure the kind of legislative reform in Harrisburg that will provide better protection for our children, now and in the future. Why state representatives in the Judiciary Committee, like Marsico and Caltagirone, who are fathers and grandfathers, would choose the insurance industry and religious organizations and their leadership over the best interests of their children and grandchildren is indeed foolish and offensive. A father and/or a grandfather who is in a position to protect thousands of children throughout the Commonwealth and he elects to support the position of industries with highly paid lobbyists, money and influence?? Obviously, some politicians have passed shame, dignity and pride many, many years ago.”

9. Bernard Long said... on Feb 8, 2012 at 01:56PM

“The Catholic church raped more children than any institution in history, and they still hide their pedophiles today, including 37 they hid in Philly until last year.

Parents - save your children from Catholic pedophile priests.”

10. Anonymous said... on Feb 8, 2012 at 02:46PM

“How can anyone make a statement like anonymous who stated " there are inherent flaws in opening a window, the abusers are deceased, the lawyers take all the money so the victims get no help'. This is nonsense, however is is an admission that the rcc did in fact enable and protect the abusers and the current legislation was a compromise that provided an escape for the archdiocese of Phila. Amy Hill is a paid assassin along with marisco and caltagirone who provide hot air responses. The rcc is trying to keep all their dirty secrets from the eye of the faithful,the laws need to be changed NOW and show the VICTIMS they can be heard in a Court of Law !”

11. Marie Whitehead said... on Feb 8, 2012 at 03:09PM

“Spot on!!! What a great clear and comprehensive article that capsulizes the battle that we survivors have had over the last several years working to get the SOLs changed here in PA.”

12. Douglas L Graham said... on Feb 8, 2012 at 04:56PM

“When the Sandusky scandal broke, I remember someone saying to me, "Why are these kids coming forward now?" I later learned that only about four percent of people who were sexually assaulted as children ever tell ANYBODY. It is a deeply personal event in one's life and one in which the victim some how feels responsible for the event rather than blaming it on the adult who did it. What happens to a child is often buried in his or her memory because it is the only way to deal with it. Some times the damage it causes in a victims life cannot be directly contributed to it by them until much later. When that occurs, they should be able to get their day in court against the abuser who uses their silence as a weapon. There should be no statue of limitations on the crime because it lasts a lifetime. Our state representatives should eliminate them.”

13. Anonymous said... on Feb 9, 2012 at 07:44AM

“Bernard, it is precisely this hysterical reaction and broad condemnation that makes any look back law unjust. Take a look just this year a the number of teachers arrested for sexual contact with children--just the number of women alone is staggering. Studies have shown that for every priest abuse case, there are 10 cases of teacher abuse. We need to get past the notion that this is a church problem. It is a social problem. And with the influence of pornography, sexual themes on television, the glorification of sex in media and music, and the federal gov't push to provide birth control for everyone, including school kids (remember the state that wanted condom info for kindergarten??) we have bigger problems than 20 year old abuse cases.”

14. Anonymous said... on Feb 9, 2012 at 09:06AM

“This is NOT even remotely a Catholic Church issue. It is a national problem, yet, the media perpetuates ths stereotype to ease the consciencious of and avoid possible violent and/or financial conflict the Muslims, Jews, and Protestants, who choose not to report, not be be transparent, and for some reason, the media does not report with the hysteria they do the Catholoics. Also, to protect the media's revenue. It is about monely. Muslims and Jews do not take kindly to this type of exposure, and the large media outlets are compliant. Articles exists, but you must hunt for them. See the Jewish press, youtube, and an excellent New York Magazine article.On the Rabbi's Knee, These are few and far between. If the Catholics truly had the money and power suggested, we would have none of this exposure. We have made progress - for example the dire financial crisis - Jews are not disparaged in the press for their roles - even though many are involved. Why demonize the catholics with this? Doesnt”

15. Anonymous said... on Feb 9, 2012 at 09:09AM

“On the Rabbi's KneeDo the Orthodox Jews have a Catholic-priest problem? see link

http://nymag.com/news/features/17010/”

16. Anonymous said... on Feb 9, 2012 at 09:18AM

“I remember the case of Jewish Cantor Harold Nevison. The DA allowed him to plead to child endangerment instead of child rape (he raped boys for 20 years) and the DA lifted the statutue limits because he intimidated the families and vicitims. That is how bad it was. But then, he is allowed to plead to these lesser charges, he did not spend any time in prison, he wa on house arrest and probation. Many Jews are angry that their vctimizers are treated with preferencial treatment. Statues of limitations are meaningless if these alford please and special accomodations are permitted.”

17. Anonymous said... on Feb 9, 2012 at 09:45AM

“I have to agree that the Church is getting the bum's rush. There has been a huge bias against the Church in the US, and it continues. And not only the Church.Look how the media treated Penn State and Syracuse: Penn state was huge in the media and Syracuse was a blip. Syracues Chancellor Nancy Cantor andCoach Bernie Fine make a nice pair. And there was even a creepy phone recording between one of Bernie's rape victims and his wife. And I just read that Bernie's wife also boinked the boys....nice, real nice. This should be a telemovie but since we have the Cantor/Fine elememnt, it got buried. The Church should hire Nancy Cantor to handle their PR then all of this will go away, too. Very sad really.”

18. Kathy Kane said... on Feb 9, 2012 at 10:21AM

“Child sex abuse occurs everywhere,in families, neighborhoods, all religous denominations.In recent months at two press conferences in Harrisburg concerning the statute of limitation reform, we have been joined by two rabbis who have stood with us for child protection. One rabbi is from the orthodox community in New York and has gone to great lengths to expose the problem in his community and fight for laws that will protect children. That is the difference -no one is saying abuse only happens in the Catholic Church - however I will never forget the passion these rabbis had for protecting the children in their communities -it was refreshing.”

19. Anonymous said... on Feb 9, 2012 at 10:44AM

“Did you see the article today about a bill in the PA Senate to mandate how school's deal with accusations against teachers? The Department of Ed reports thta between 50 to 100 cases of teacher sexual misconduct were reported WITHIN THE LAST YEAR!!!!!!!! And people think the church has a problem??

I still blame the self-righteous lawyers and the nuns who want to be priests. The greed for money and power keeps the issue alive as though it is current. When a lawyer gets up to 66% of the judgment, plus expenses, they have every reason to go after deep pockets. Look at how much they have made off the church. Justice is not served to victims. It serves the lawyers.”

20. clarence said... on Feb 9, 2012 at 01:02PM

“The catholic church should be charged under the federal RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) statues, it is no different from the mafia, both based in Italy, where coincidentally prostitution is legal. The people in the pews are dedicated to the institution not the principles of Jesus, meanwhile the sexual abuse of their children, neighbors and family members continues.

”

21. SMPTURLISH said... on Feb 10, 2012 at 07:32AM

“Sadly it is very much a "current" issue.

"Judgment day is approaching for Archdioceses's facilitators & enablers"

“I beg the leaders of the Catholic Church to fall on their knees and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit regarding the statute of limitations on sexual abuse. Take off the blinders. This change will not only apply to the Church. I was born into, raised and educated in, and believe in the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, but it is time to admit the wrongs that have been committed against the innocent.”

24. Tammy Miller said... on Feb 13, 2012 at 09:26AM

“I have been a victim of sexual abuse by a family member. What make the church think they are experim from sending there priest form church to church to let it keep happen in a new town we they could do it over and over again. Maybe they need some people that have been effected by this and them maybe they may listed to be able to do something to fightback against them.”

25. constance kelley said... on Feb 13, 2012 at 05:54PM

“I beg the archdiocese of Philadelphia to stop the fight against the statute of limitations. God's blessings will be with us. This is not a case of discrimination against us; it is a search for the truth. Do as you tell us to do: put it in God's Hands.”

26. whalen said... on Feb 14, 2012 at 11:33AM

“Did someone assist in the death of Bevilacqua or did he do himself? Once again no justice for the abused, again.”

27. Whitsoh said... on Feb 17, 2012 at 01:14AM

“Only when we change the laws and remove all statute of limitations on the crimes of sexual abuse of children ---will we will take some of the power away from the predators ---- and bring some justice for the victims. We need to address the weaknesses in the law so that predators don't continue to get a free pass simply by virtue of the passage of time.”

28. Anonymous said... on Apr 10, 2012 at 01:15PM

“Anyone who claims that the "Catholic Church" raped more children than anyone is mistaken: more children are raped by teachers, and more children have been raped by Boy Scout leaders in the US than by anyone. By the way, teachers in Delaware get quite a pass when it comes to statutes i this case.”

29. Terik Ororke said... on Sep 29, 2012 at 05:33PM

“Why not drop all statutes of limitations such as against corporations or municipalities that have hurt people, or medical malpractice and the like---let us be fair about other types of victims and not just jump on the sexual hysteria bandwagon.”